Platform:
This is the tool brand or system you are, or may be, using. Examples include Milwaukee 18 volt, Ryobi 18 volt, Dewalt 20 volt, and so on.
IPM:
Impacts per Minute. This is a measurement of how many times an impact can be made on the driver system, per minute.
RPM:
Rotations per minute. This is a measurement of how fast the driving assembly can rotate, per minute.
BPM:
Beats per Minute. Similar to IPM, but this measurement is used in Hammer drills, as opposed to Impact drivers.
Torque:
A measure of force, specifically how much twisting or rotational force a tool can place on the driving assembly. Measured in foot-pounds (Ft-Lbs), or Newton-Meters (Nm).
Impact Driver:
A tool specifically designed to drive medium or large fasteners in, with an impacting and turning driver.
Drill:
A tool specifically designed for turning a drill bit at various speeds and with 2 or more speed, or gear, settings.
Hammer Drill:
A drill that includes a hammer function, generally used with masonry drill bits. This differs from an impact driver because this tool usually has more turning force (torque) and a significantly larger hammer mechanism inside.